α β integrin promotes accumulation of tissue-resident memory CD8 T cells in salivary glands.

The salivary glands (SGs) of virus-immune mice contain substantial numbers of tissue-resident memory CD8 T cells (T cells) that can provide immunity to local infections. Integrins regulate entry of activated T cells into nonlymphoid tissues but the molecules that mediate migration of virus-specific CD8 T cells to the SGs have not yet been defined. Here, we found that polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid (poly(I:C)) strongly promoted the accumulation of P14 TCR-transgenic CD8 T cells in SGs in an α β integrin-dependent manner. After infection with lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus, accumulation of P14 T cells in SGs and intestine but not in kidney was also α integrin dependent. Blockade of α β by monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) inhibited lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus-induced accumulation of P14 T cells in the intestine but not in SGs. In conclusion, our data reveal that α β integrin mediates CD8 T accumulation in SGs and that poly(I:C) can be used to direct activated CD8 T cells to this organ.